Pa. slots revenue rises for 6th straight year

Slot machine revenue has continued its history of increasing every year since slots began operating in Pennsylvania in 2006, according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

The PGCB said slots revenue for the 2012 calendar was $2.47 million, 2.7 percent higher than the 2011 total. The average combined number of slot machines operating daily was 26,476 in December 2012 compared with 26,418 in December 2011. Pennsylvania taxes slot machines at 55 percent.

"While competition for gaming dollars from bordering states will continue to escalate, the revenue results from legalized casino gaming in Pennsylvania continue to be strong," said PGCB Chairman William H. Ryan Jr. "In addition, a healthy casino industry has resulted in the employment of more than 16,000 persons, stability in the Commonwealth's horse racing industry, funds for major economic development and community-based projects, and property tax relief for all Pennsylvania homeowners."

Pennsylvania's 11 casinos all offer both slot machine and table game gambling.